Textron Marine Systems Wins $6.5-Million Contract To Build Two SES Fireboats

Textron Marine Systems (TMS), a division of Textron Inc., headquartered in New Orleans, La., was recently awarded a $6.5-million contract for the construction of two Surface Effect Ship (SES), multipurpose fireboats for New York City. The announcement was made by TMS president J o h n J . K e l l y .

Reportedly, they will be the first SES fireboats built in the U.S.

Scheduled for delivery in 1992, the SES fireboats will provide New York City with several capabilities in addition to fire suppression, namely, search and rescue, security and patrol of the harbor, and pollution monitoring.

The 70-foot by 20-foot fireboats will each be powered by two GM 8V 92TI marine diesels, rated at 450 shp at 2,000 rpm. A GM 6V 92TI diesel, rated at 400 shp at 2,300 rpm, will provide power for the lift fan, while a fourth engine, another GM 8V 92 TI, will provide power for the fire pump. The pumping capacity of each boat will be 7,075 gph at 100 psi at the pump.

An SES is a waterborne, air-supported craft with catamaran-style rigid sidehulls. The SES uses a cushion of air trapped between the sidehulls and flexible bow and stern seals to lift the center portion of the hull clear of the water. Thus, the resulting reduction in drag produces greater efficiency and higher speeds.

A portion of the sidehull remains in the water and aids in maneuverability and stability of the ship. The air cushion maintains a smoother and better ride than most typical conventional planing hulls and catamarans.

The N.Y.C. SES fireboats will be similar in design to craft used by the Port of Tacoma. The Port of Tacoma SES fireboats, the first such vessels used in the U.S., were built by Vosper Hovermarine Limited, Southampton, England, in 1982 and 1983.

For free literature detailing the boatbuilding services of Textron Marine Systems, C i r c l e 131 on Reader Service Card

Maritime Reporter Magazine, page 65, Jul 1990

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